Together Again

Together Again, once entitled Fanfare, was a piece that I had finished writing in December of 2018. At the time, it had no special meaning and so, I decided to set it aside. After months went by, I decided to share a few compositions of mine with my former teacher, friend, and composer, Patrick Burns. After taking a listen and viewing the first edition of the fanfare, he decided that it would be a great addition to his publishing catalog. Of course, before it could be published, it needed some work. So, I took it out again, virtually dusted it off, and began to refine the piece to what it is now. The more I worked on the piece, the more meaningful it became. 

 

The original plan was to have the Bloomfield Youth Band premiere the piece at their final concert of their 34th season, in June 2020, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, it never took place. As I reworked this piece during quarantine, I felt like the title needed to reflect the time spent in isolation. At first, I changed the title to Celebratory Fanfare, but with the days, weeks, and months of time that passed, I began to feel the effects of not playing in live ensembles - a place where I find personal solace. I now wait for the moment when we can play together again.

  

The title of this refers to the anticipation of the first time we all play together coming out of quarantine. It's about that split second of nerve and anticipation that rushes over you before coming onto the stage. It's about that excitement and joy you have in being able to share musical gifts with an audience of community members, friends, and family. It's about celebrating and appreciating every chance and moment we have to perform with friends, colleagues, and peers to start a concert and make beautiful music - together.